Reviewed by the Nanny Lane team · Last updated

How much does a babysitter cost in Smyrna, DE in 2026?

In Smyrna, DE, the average babysitter earns about $16.15 per hour. For a typical 40-hour week, that works out to roughly $646/week or $2,799/month. Most Smyrna families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/hour range, depending on experience, the number of kids, and what's expected on the job.

Average hourly rate$16.15/hr · Smyrna average

These numbers come from 102 live babysitter listings in Smyrna on Nanny Lane. We update this page whenever the data moves.

$646
$2,799
$33,592

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What drives the price

Most Smyrna families pay somewhere in the $15–$20/hour range. Where a given family lands depends on a handful of factors. Three of them drive most of the spread.


01

Experience

Experience doesn't make a noticeable difference to babysitter rates in Smyrna, DE. Entry-level (0-2 yrs) average $16.10/hour, and the most experienced (3-5 yrs) come in at a similar $16.50/hour.
Avg hourly rate by years of experience

02

Number of kids

One child is the baseline. Each additional child usually adds $1–$2/hour. Twins and infants tend toward the high end.
+$1 to $2/hour per additional child
Hourly rate by number of kids
1 kid (baseline)$16.15
2 kids~$17.15
3+ kids~$18.15+

03

Hours & schedule

Standard weekday daytime hours are easiest to staff. Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and last-minute coverage all push rates up.
10–20%premium for off-hours coverage
Hourly rate adjustment by schedule
Weekday 9–5 (standard)
Evening/weekend+$2–4/hr
Last-minute+$3–5/hr

Also factor in: live-in vs. live-out · household duties beyond childcare · driving · cooking · travel.

Full-time, part-time, and live-in babysitter rates

ArrangementTypical hoursAverage rate
Full-time35–50 hrs/week$16.47/hr
Part-time10–25 hrs/week$16.33/hr
Live-inSet by family$16.62/hr

Part-time and full-time hourly rates are similar here — short schedules don't always command a premium when full-time openings are easy to fill.

Live-in rates are close to live-out here — but the package usually still includes room and board, so the all-in cost can be lower than it appears. The trade-off is space — you'll need a private bedroom and ideally a separate bathroom for the babysitter.

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How do Smyrna babysitter rates compare to state and national averages?

Smyrna sits close to the national average for babysitter rates.

Hiring babysitters in Smyrna, DE typically costs about 6% less than the Delaware average of $17/hour and 4% less than the United States average of $17/hour.

Average hourly babysitters rates compared across Smyrna, DE and reference areas.
AreaAverage hourly ratevs. Smyrna, DE
Smyrna, DE$16/hr
Delaware$17/hr+6%
United States$17/hr+4%

Where Smyrna, DE fits among nearby cities

10 nearby cities have enough babysitter data to compare, with rates ranging from $16.08/hour in Dover to $18.06/hour in Newark.

Below: how each compares to the Smyrna, DE average of $16.15/hour — Smyrna, DE is highlighted at its true rank.

Nearby cities ranked by babysitter rate

10 cities near Smyrna, DE ranked by average hourly babysitter rate, most to least expensive.
#City$/hrvs. Smyrna, DE
1Newark$18.06+12%
2Lewes$17.95+11%
3Bear$17.66+9%
4Middletown$17.42+8%
5Wilmington$17.38+8%
6Milford$16.94+5%
7Millsboro$16.89+5%
8New Castle$16.80+4%
Smyrna$16.15
10Dover$16.08
Most expensive nearby: Newark ($18.06) Least expensive nearby: Dover ($16.08)

Tips to find a great babysitter without overpaying

  • Be flexible on experience. Some of the best babysitters on the platform have 3–5 years on the job and charge meaningfully less than experienced babysitters with 10+ years. References matter more than years.
  • Consider a share. If your kids are similar ages and you live near another family, a share is the single biggest cost reduction available without compromising on care.
  • Be specific about hours upfront. Most babysitters will take a slightly lower rate for a guaranteed steady schedule than for a higher-rate, unpredictable one.
  • Bundle benefits thoughtfully. Two weeks PTO, a health stipend, transit passes, education assistance, or an annual raise commitment can help close the gap with families offering a higher hourly rate.
  • Match rate to responsibilities. A higher rate often makes sense once you add cooking, errands, or driving. Don't compare apples to oranges across listings.

How to reduce nanny costs?

Split the cost of a nanny with another family
and enjoy flexible child care.
Learn more about nanny sharing

How families use Nanny Lane to find a babysitter in Smyrna, DE

Nanny Lane is a marketplace built specifically for connecting families with babysitters — no recruiters in the middle. Most families work through it like this:

  1. 01

    Browse babysitter profiles in Smyrna, DE

    Filter by hourly rate, experience, languages, and availability.

  2. 02

    Message the ones who look like a fit

    Reach out to the babysitters whose experience and rate match what you're looking for.

  3. 03

    Schedule a phone call, then a paid trial day

    Trial days feel awkward at first — that's normal. They're the best way to see how a babysitter fits with your family in real time.

  4. 04

    Hire your babysitter

    If you'd rather not handle taxes and payroll yourself, our payroll team can take care of it.

Available babysitters in Smyrna, DE

102 active listings in Smyrna

Arianna J. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Arianna

Smyrna, DE
$16.25/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m Arianna I love to connect with children and come up with little mind games for them to grow. About myself I am an uplifting, careful and enthusiastic care sitter. I live to sing, dance and do arts and crafts. Hope to book with you soon!

Have experience working with

Special Needs
Victoria M. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Victoria

Smyrna, DE
$15/hr
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello! I’m a 14 year old high schooler looking for a job where I can make good money and build a connection with your children. I may be young but i’m responsible and have done plenty of babysitting jobs before (even overnight). If you consider me as your babysitter you will come home to a happy well-fed child and a clean house! Thank you for consideration and I hope to see you and your little one soon!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Hunii-Reign N. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Hunii-Reign

Smyrna, DE
$17.85/hr
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hello my name is Hunii I love working with kids I love being able to make a positive impact on there lives. Kids have such pure energy and creativity. I also have 1 year Montessori experience which is a more child led curriculum

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Chara F. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Chara

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
2 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is Chara, and I’m 20 years old and currently a college student. I was born in Liberia and come from an African background where caring for others and showing respect is deeply important. Family means everything to me, and that naturally shapes the way I care for children.

I’m especially interested in working with babies and toddlers because I truly enjoy that nurturing stage; helping little ones grow, learn, and feel safe. I’m very patient, gentle, and attentive, and I understand how important consistency and warmth are for young children. Whether it’s feeding, playtime, reading, or simply being a calm and comforting presence, I take pride in creating a loving and secure environment.

I value communication with parents and want families to feel fully confident and at ease knowing their child is cared for with intention and heart. I would love the opportunity to support your family!

Have experience working with

Infants
Breynna T. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Breynna

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Occasional
5 years experience

A little bit about me

I’m 16yrs old almost 17, I love working with kids and can’t wait to be a babysitter again, as I stopped to work in the food industry!! I worked with many kids and never had any complaints!! I’m funny, sweet, nice, talkative, playful and more!! I’m thoughtful and open-minded!! Please text me asap !!

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs
Makenzie H. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Makenzie

Smyrna, DE
$16/hr
Part-time
Occasional
3 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! My name is makenzie, and I am 18 I am a student at Del Tech, where I also play volleyball. I have my CNA certification and am CPR certified, and I’m looking for a flexible nanny or babysitting position during the day or evenings after school.

I have 3 year of experience working with children and babysitting, and I enjoy helping families who have busy schedules or need an extra hand. I also spend a lot of time with my nephew, who has autism, so I have personal experience supporting children with special needs and creating a patient, understanding environment.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Jazmin T. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Jazmin

Smyrna, DE
$18/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

Hi! I’m Jazmin, and I have over 4 years of experience working in a daycare with children of different ages. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and have my TECE 1 and 2. I’m patient, reliable, and love creating a fun, safe, and structured environment for kids. I enjoy activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play, and helping with learning and routines. I’m also happy to help with light housekeeping to keep things running smoothly.

Have experience working with

Infants
Special Needs

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Cyrah M. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Cyrah

Smyrna, DE
$15/hr
Full-time
Part-time
Occasional
< 1 year experience

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Cyrah. I’m a responsible and patient person who enjoys working with children. I have experience assisting with CPR training classes, which taught me how to stay calm, follow instructions, and help others in a structured environment. I’m reliable, attentive, and willing to help with childcare, homework, and daily routines.

Certifications

CPR
First Aid
Hailey S. - Seeking Work in Smyrna

Nanny Hailey

Smyrna, DE
$15/hr
Occasional
4 years experience

A little bit about me

My names Hailey Swartz I’m 17 years old I’m looking for a babysitting job with flexible hours because I’m still in school I live in Smyrna Delaware and have been watching kids for years

Have experience working with

Special Needs

Certification

First Aid
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